Fog attenuation analysis of visible band for free space optical link

Abstract

Free space optical (FSO) links are a viable option in high speed and last-mile data transmission links. However, weather conditions often deteriorate its performance and limit the widespread use of the technology. For an inexpensive and easily implementable FSO link, we propose to study the effects of fog on light transmission. Using a controlled fog chamber, we test and compare the attenuation characteristics of a six different wavelength LED FSO system, with a He-Ne laser system as reference. We find that Red LED system has the least attenuation due to fog.